A Taste of Indonesia at Plataran Dharmawangsa

While Jakarta is a hub for international cuisine in Indonesia, there are times when a little home cooking is the only thing to hit the spot. There are some really great Indonesian restaurants out there, but today we’re here to remind you about Plataran Dharmawangsa. Located in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, this outlet has both an indoor and outdoor area with ample sunshine and space. After all, while the food is delicious in every Plataran restaurant, the atmosphere is just as important.

They also have chickens!

One thing we have to mention is that the service at Plataran Dharmawangsa is absolutely impeccable. There aren’t as many servers here as you might be used to seeing, but they respond very quickly, are very knowledgeable and are always happy to help. From this alone, we would gladly recommend Plataran Dharmawangsa.

Before we started on the main courses, we were given a snack to munch on. The Sweet Potato Crisps were a great way to start, not oily at all, and the best part was the sambal. Perfectly sweet and spicy with just a hint of acidity. It’s so addictive you won’t want to share – thankfully it doesn’t make you full either.

We also tried the Salad Jagung, a fresh corn salad that starts out as an appetiser but doubles as a side dish to cut through the heartier dishes with some freshness. We highly recommend this one, it was the unexpected favourite at our table.

You know Plataran Dharmawangsa is serious about their food when five dishes descend on you like predators to prey. The Dendeng Saus Madu (beef jerky with honey sauce) is definitely the most striking. While we did like it, the dish was very similar to “super crispy beef jerky” that you can find in other restaurants. That’s not to say it isn’t good, because it is and it’s amazing with rice.

Our favourite dish was in fact the Sapi Lada Hitam (braised short ribs with black pepper sauce). This is the dish that we all want to eat when we’re craving Chinese inspired Indonesian dishes but can never find. This is the dish that manages to improve on our childhood memories. This is the dish that you want to buy two of so you can take one home. Yes, seriously, it’s that good.

The best part about eating at Plataran Dharmawangsa is that the chef has really taken everything into consideration. While the majority of the menu is the same as any other Plataran restaurant, you can expect just a little twist in there as well. Some crunchy nuts to add texture, an additional spice that you recognise but can’t remember the name of, these are the little things that make dining here an experience.

Just a side note, these guys really know what they’re doing when it comes to drinks. This is the Milk and Ginger Drink. A warm, soothing, defrost-your-body-open-up-your-soul drink. If you don’t do anything else, then at least get this.

We know that Plataran Dharmawangsa isn’t for everyone. The price range, while reasonable, is not something to sniff at. Just know that it’s a great date night spot for you and your special someone and on weekend brunch or lunch, it would be good for a family get-together as well. The kids will surely appreciate the garden (and the chickens! Chickensss!!)